Istanbul

Istanbul's famous red and white trams, loved by both locals and tourists for over a century, are about to be replaced by modern streetcars. These historic trams have become synonymous with Istiklal Avenue, the city's most popular shopping street, which stretches 1.4 kilometres (0.9 miles) on Istanbul's European side.

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First introduced in 1914, the original trams have undergone regular maintenance and updates to preserve their historical charm. Despite these updates, the trams have retained their vintage appearance.

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Modern upgrades with a nostalgic touch

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The new battery-powered trams are designed to maintain the classic look of their predecessors, featuring wooden floors and reversible seats. Instead of rear-view mirrors, these trams are equipped with two cameras on each side, providing drivers with better visibility and allowing them to drive while seated.

"It’s a very good thing that they are modernising the tram. The new one hasn’t changed the nostalgic aspect of the old one," a local resident told AFP. 

According to Istanbul’s mayoral office, the old trams will eventually be retired and displayed in a transport museum that is currently being planned. In the meantime, the new streetcar will operate alongside its century-old counterparts during its testing phase.

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Ali Tugrul Kucukalioglu, Istanbul's director of electric transport, highlighted the energy efficiency of the new trams, saying that they can "run for two days on a single battery." This innovation will allow the city to dismantle the overhead power lines on Istiklal Avenue, which have historically caused issues during national holidays due to flags hanging from the lines.

One significant change in the new trams is the removal of external sidebars, which passengers often clung to while travelling up and down Istiklal Avenue.

Istiklal Avenue, formerly known as the Grand Avenue of Pera, was the heart of Istanbul's cosmopolitan quarter until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 1920s. The street remains a popular destination for tourists who enjoy travelling to Taksim Square on the historic trams.

(With inputs from agencies)